As Children

I have spent the better portion of the last couple of weeks paying extra close attention to the behaviors of my two children. Not necessarily to nab them when they do something mommy and daddy told them no to, but to observe their nature. I had read the story of Jesus gathering the children(Mark 10:14) and claiming that "the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

I know we have all heard semons on being like "the children," but I don't think I have heard it since I have had my own children. Oh, if I could be like them. The scripture certainly takes on new meanings when I sit back and notice how pure the love my children have for their parents. They trust us with for their security and to provide for their basic needs. They have come to expect unyielding praise for their good deeds, like sharing, obeying, and playing nice with all others. Accordingly, they also know that when they fail to stay within the boundaries that have been set for them, loving punishment will ensue. They wake up each morning with smiles of joy ready to experience a new day with excitement. Children don't discriminate based upon age, gender, race, or religion, but simply want more playmates. They yearn for acceptance and love, and they get it.

Likewise, I finally get it. These are the characteristics that God desires in each of us. He directs us that "no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." (John 3:3) If we are supposed to be born again, surely God instill in us the capabilities to act like children in spirit.

May I seek God's face for my every need and love others just as my children.

Annual Evaluation

Last week, I received my annual review at work. One of the comments my manager made to me was that I work hard to know everything there is to know about my industry and my professional environment. I left it that not thinking much of it, until I received a copy of it in the mail and was reading it over again. Feeling rather proud of my overall evaluation, my feet quickly replanted on solid ground. I started wondering what God might write should He give me an annual review. Would He laud me for learning all I could about Him? Would He commend my unwavering commitment to unceasing prayer? Would He praise me keeping my eyes always turned on Him?

Or would He write that I should pay closer attention to how I treat other people? He might suggest that I act very selfishly when others needed me to be selfless. Could He have written that I make too many decisions on my own without consulting Him first?

I'm not sure what he would write, but I am confident in two things. First, he would give me lots of personal development items. Things that he wants me to focus on over the next year. He would tell me to ask Him for help and not feel like I'm working alone. He also would encourage me to be consistent in treating others with compassion and concern. Second, I know that He wouldn't fire me. God will keep me on board until I "retire." He'll expend a lot of energy trying hard to make me a fine employee, one that can influence others. But I'm His employee and He'll protect me and mold me in His image.

Prayer in School

I was reflecting today on the sermon that our pastor gave yesterday and she mentioned off the cuff her thoughts on prayer in schools. Her leaning is that if the government were to allow Christians to have a set aside time to pray in schools, then that opens the door for any other religion to be afforded the same opportunity. She would prefer that her children not necessarily be subjected to potentially some forms or displays of prayer that contradict what her family believes and would like to keep that internal to her home. I initially thought that was an approach I had not contemplated and I might proscribe to the same contentions.

However, as I spent time in Kansas City today, I felt that I couldn't agree with that position. I think that as Christians, we have to fight for our rights to worship. If that my means other religions do the same, then I'm in favor of that also. Jesus never shied away from other religious or social pressures. Instead, he laid it all out on the table and said here are the differences, choose which faith you will follow, and do so vigorously. Just understand that there is only one way to Heaven and that is through Me. He was confident in Himself and the teachings he brought to the world that they would stand the test of time until His triumphant return. I am not saying that our pastor is wrong. I believe that we each carry the torch of Christ different ways.

I approach my job the same way. I am confident enough in the clinical trials and studies that my company has conducted, and believe that they will convince the physicians that the medicines I bring to them provide the optimal therapy for the respective disease states. I have never asked for a doctor to use my products. I lay it out there and am confident they will be compelled to prescribe my products. That is contrary to what any pharmaceutical company asks their reps to do, but I have gained a lot of respect from my doctors that way.

It is tough to stand up and proclaim we are Christians today without someone wanting to challenge your beliefs about abortion, homosexuality, prayer in schools, etc. When we fail to step up boldly and twist scripture to fit our own beliefs, we are like Peter denying Christ. My children should be afforded the opportunity to pray in school. It is my job as a parent to help them understand that not all people share those beliefs, but to be confident in your own. God called us to rely on Him and to take Him into the world, just not succomb to the worldly pressures. It may be difficult and often socially unpopular, but I would rather have God say thank you for carrying my light into the world.

May God help me to venture into the world each day boldly, loving others for their differences, but strong and proud enough to withstand the pressure of society to conform.